Child initiated learning, gives the child free choice to follow their own pattern of learning, from activities that are planned to meet the Early Learning Goals from the foundation stage as part of the National Curriculum. This is best practice for learning for children aged between 3 years and 6 years (the end of the foundation stage).

Research has proven that children learn more meaningfully by choosing activities that are presented through play.

How do young children learn best?

The views of three eminent psychologists

Piaget’s main findings remain sound,

“Children gain information through active encounters with their world and they process this information into theories and assumptions which form their mental structures, these structures are then in turn extended and amended in light of new information”

John Brierly suggests, “Through exploration, play and speech the young brain seems to strengthen. A child needs a dynamic two way relationship with the environment”.

Ausabel supports this view, arguing that “Although discovery learning and problem solving are relatively complex forms of learning they are the most effective means of intellectual functioning for the young child”
How will this affect my child?

Your child will have the same selection of planned activities to support their learning, however the way they access them will alter. Your child will have times during the day when they are encouraged to follow their own learning interests. The children will be able to access all areas of the nursery, where the adults will support the centre of interest.

There are set times during the day when your child will still be in their key-worker groups i.e. story time and singing time.

It will be the role of the trained staff to encourage the children to visit all areas.

Monitoring

The children will continue to be monitored for progress and development by :-

· Focus children
· Monitoring take up of activities
· Level of child interaction
· Monitoring delivery of activities

Assessment and Record keeping

We have introduced new record keeping to reflect the Learning Goals they are colour coded and developmentally sequenced. Assessment is completed by observation and recording critical incidents. We provide ½ termly progress reports for each child.

We encourage you to add to you child’s profile.

It is during the free play time that your child will be able to work with adults at activities that interest them.

The children will be encouraged to first plan what they want to do, then carry out those activities. The adult will encourage the child to work to their full potential.

This will give you child the opportunity to work things through to his/her own satisfaction.